Well, as we have often said, it’s critical to make a plan and at least as critical to be willing to modify the plan.
Our passage started out as we anticipated, but then two things happened. First, the winds were more from the north than forecast, resulting in the winds blowing against the current of the Gulf Stream. This caused large, choppy waves to develop. It made for a very uncomfortable night, and it was hard for any of us to get sleep. Second, the clew of our mainsail failed — what this means is the back bottom corner of the sail ripped off from the rope connecting it to the boom. We believe it was just age, wear and tear. Regardless, now we had no mainsail.
The mainsail obviously helps us sail the boat, but it also damps the motion of the boat in rough seas. We had plenty of diesel to make it to Charleston on engines, but the motion of the boat got even rougher without the mainsail.
After a brief conversation, we all agreed with Jim’s plan to exit the Gulf Stream (go across it toward the US rather than running with it north toward Charleston) and get to port as soon as feasible. Thus, rather than Charleston, we made our way to the St. Mary’s inlet on the Florida-Georgia border. It’s easy to enter, and the town there, Fernandina Beach, is close to Jacksonville airport. Just as we were arriving, the Coast Guard approached our boat, ultimately standing just off our starboard stern. They ordered us to stay out of the inlet until they escorted a submarine through.
We finally got tied up at the marina in Fernandina Beach and took advantage of the unlimited fresh water to wash the salt off of Tilia. Those rough seas had coated the entire exterior of the boat with salt water.
Despite the unexpected change of plans, or perhaps because of them, Bobby and Zach got quite a good sample of passage experiences: some good sailing, night sky, lots of rocking and rolling, and a mid-passage change of plans.
We got some boat chores done and had a great crew dinner out to celebrate our US arrival. Bobby, Zach and Anne all had to head home from Jacksonville. Fortunately, our friend and frequent crew member, Brian, agreed to fly in and help Jim move the boat further north to Charleston. Another friend, Doug, will be able to come in to help Jim get Tilia back to our home marina in NC. We so appreciate this help!
Definitely not how we envisioned ending the season, but once again the wind and the ocean makes the call.